A huge explosion tore into a military base in Iraq which houses a pro-Iranian militia, reportedly killing one person and injuring eight.
The explosion at Kalso military base, 30 miles south of Baghdad, occurred early Saturday morning, according to the Iraqi military, the BBC reported.
Iraq officials reported that there were no drones or fighter jets in the area before or during the blast.
The militia organization involved, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), however, attributed the explosion to an attack, according to the BBC.
PMF chief of staff Abdul Aziz al-Mohammedawi visited the base to review the findings of the investigators so far, said militia officials.
IRAQ: Massive explosion in Kalsu military camp in Babil, strikes targeted pro-Iran PMF. At least one killed, Israel suspected pic.twitter.com/BhSK2HT7tA
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) April 19, 2024
The PMF is an umbrella organization of pro-Iranian militias that Tehran has been using for years to advance its interests in the Middle East.
The news comes on the heels of rising tensions between Israel and Iran with attacks by each of the countries on the other.
The U.S. Central Command anounced Saturday on X: "We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today."
